Stunning meteor showers light up California sky [Video]

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OAKLAND, Calif. — Professional observers say more meteors are on the way after streaking fireballs lit up California skies and stunned stargazers.

The Oakland Tribune reports the exploding streaks were seen especially over the San Francisco Bay area and other parts of Northern California, with reports of bright fireballs and loud booms from Santa Cruz County to Mendocino County Wednesday night.

National Weather Service forecaster Steve Anderson tells the Tribune that warm temperatures and cloud-free skies are making the bright lights more visible, a phenomenon that should only increase as the weekend approaches.

Wedneday’s light streak comes as astronomers expect a more dramatic light display this weekend that is part of the large, fast Orionid meteor shower, so-named because it has the Orion constellation as a backdrop.